Ferndale to improve parks

FERNDALE – Making improvements at the city’s 14 parks and getting residents involved in what those changes should be is a big goal for the city this year.

“I feel we not only need to upgrade and modernize our parks, but find out what activities people want to do in them,” said Mayor Dave Coulter. “Our parks are underutilized.”

City Council members last week passed a long list of goals they want to address in the coming year. Other goals include everything from finances to code enforcement and pest control.

City Manager April Lynch said amenities and use of city parks are an important part of what attracts residents to a community.

“We really need to work on our park system,” she said. “We’ll be assessing what changes we need to make to meet the needs of residents so we can make maximum use of the parks.”

City officials finalized goals for the upcoming fiscal year to get city staffers and elected officials who set policy on the same page, Lynch said.

Officials want to get residents to weigh in more on key issues affecting the city, Coulter said.

“We are interested in getting more input from residents and businesses,” he said. “We’re serious about really reaching out and having people help us with these goals.

City officials have been focused on the downtown and businesses.

“But we are increasingly interested in things we can do to improve neighborhoods,” Coulter said.

Finances remain a top priority in Ferndale. City property values have continued to decline and took a 6-percent drop last year. Lynch and other officials are hoping that decline in property values levels off this year.

Voters in 2010 approved a millage increase of up to 5.5 mills to offset deep budget cuts in city services. The city currently levies 3.5 mills of that millage and may ask voters to renew it after it expires in 2015, Lynch said.

The city has a two-year plan to revitalize Livernois Avenue corridor. Officials said they see a lot of potential for the corridor. They are considering adding on-street parking and narrowing the number of traffic lanes to make it more pedestrian friendly, Coulter said.

“We’re looking at grant opportunities,” he said. “We’re not looking to add bars and restaurants, but want to make it attractive for art studios, galleries and boutiques.”

One of the biggest city projects this year is a plan to upgrade and modestly expand the city’s police station and courthouse.

The project is expected to cost about $1.8 million and improve cramped conditions and safety features at both buildings.

The courthouse is also set to get a new façade. The project is expected to be finished by June 2014, Lynch said.